Mr. Liss's 7th GradeSocial Studies Website

Where history comes alive!

Changing the World One Loan at a Time!

Have you ever considered why some people are “haves” and some are “have nots?” Why is there poverty in the world? What are the causes of poverty? Is there anything a 7th grader at Thomas Jefferson Middle School can do about erasing poverty?

Actually, you can do something about poverty. You can educate yourself and others. You can use the website Kiva.org to learn about microfinance and have a real impact in the struggle to eliminate poverty. The following goals will be accomplished during this project:

1. A basic understanding of microfinance, important economic terms, and pros and cons of microfinance.

2. Selecting and lending money to an entrepreneur in the country of your choice.

A. an explanation of kiva and its mission. you may include interview footage of kiva interns if available.

B. Introduction to the country in which you loaned. Include some statistics and vocabulary words to illustrate the level of poverty. KEEP IT SIMPLE. Use mostly pictures to tell the story – limit your words!

C. A picture and details about the person to whom you loaned. You may video your team during the lending process. You could also video-narrate their story. Where do they live? What are they using the money for? Don’t skimp here…this is what generates interest in your movie! Tug on the heartstrings!

D. Include a soundtrack. Adjust the volume of your soundtrack during any narration.